Gay, Grizzlies continue hot streak

Saturday

Dec 8, 2012 at 12:45 AMDec 8, 2012 at 3:45 AM

NEW ORLEANS — Rudy Gay tied a season high with 28 points and the Memphis Grizzlies maintained their NBA-best winning percentage with their second-straight victory, 96-89 over the struggling New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS — Rudy Gay tied a season high with 28 points and the Memphis Grizzlies maintained their NBA-best winning percentage with their second-straight victory, 96-89 over the struggling New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

New Orleans put up resistance, though, despite losing for the 11th time in 13 games, and Memphis needed Gay's 3 with 2:10 left to get some breathing room.

Former Hornets first-round draft choice Quincy Pondexter tied a season high with 16 points for the Grizzlies, who improved to 14-3 (.823). Zach Randolph added 15 points and Marc Gasol 13.

Ryan Anderson, Austin Rivers and Brian Roberts each scored 15 points for the Hornets, who were within one possession of tying or leading several times in the fourth quarter. Xavier Henry, making his first start this season, had 12 points.

76ers 95, Celtics 94, OT

At Philadelphia, Evan Turner had 26 points and 10 rebounds and Thaddeus Young added 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead Philadelphia past Boston in overtime.

Turner drove past Courtney Lee and tossed up an off-balance, right-handed shot for a 95-94 lead with 3.9 seconds left. Boston guard Rajon Rondo slipped and his ankles buckled on the last possession, costing him a chance to hit the potential game-winner, a dud ending to his sizzling triple-double.

Thunder 114, Lakers 108

At Oklahoma City, Kevin Durant had 36 points, Russell Westbrook scored 27 of his 33 in the first half to stake Oklahoma City to a commanding lead in a win over short-handed Los Angeles.

NBA scoring leader Kobe Bryant had 35 points to lead the Lakers, who trailed by 19 before rallying to get within four in the final minute. Dwight Howard added 23 points and 18 rebounds.

Nuggets 92, Pacers 89

At Indianapolis, Andre Miller scored eight of his 15 points during a late 10-0 spurt, sending the Denver Nuggets to a 92-89 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.

The Nuggets (10-10) have won 13 of the last 16 in this series, including seven of the last nine in Indianapolis. The 36-year-old Miller was the big reason this time.

Bulls 108, Pistons 104

At Auburn Hills, Mich., Joakim Noah had career highs of 30 points and 23 rebounds, to help Chicago beat Detroit for the 16th straight time.

The Bulls trailed by 17 points in the second quarter, but rallied toward the end of the half and took control in the fourth quarter. All five Chicago starters finished in double figures, including Carlos Boozer with 24 points. Luol Deng and Marco Belinelli scored 16 apiece.

Spurs 114, Rockets 92

At San Antonio, Tony Parker had 17 points and seven assists, and San Antonio never trailed in a win over Houston.

The Spurs had six players score in double figures while matching their season high with 33 assists.

James Harden had 29 points, and Patrick Patterson and Toney Douglas each scored 10 to lead Houston.

Warriors 109, Nets 102

At New York, David Lee had 30 points and 15 rebounds, Stephen Curry scored 28 points, and Golden State gave coach Mark Jackson a winning return to Brooklyn.

Lee scored six straight points to break open a tie game midway through the fourth quarter, and Curry had 21 in the second half for the Warriors, who won for the fifth time in six games.

Timberwolves 91, Cavaliers 73

At Minneapolis, Kevin Love had 36 points and 13 rebounds to lead Minnesota past Cleveland.

Luke Ridnour had 12 points, seven assists and five rebounds for the Timberwolves, and Andrei Kirilenko had eight points, seven rebounds and six assists after missing the previous four games with back spasms.

Hawks 104, Wizards 95

At Atlanta, Josh Smith had 23 points and 15 rebounds, Al Horford also posted a double-double and the Atlanta Hawks beat Washington 104-95 on Friday night to keep the Wizards winless on the road.

Horford had 14 points and 14 rebounds for the Hawks, who have won eight of nine. The Wizards, who had won two of three following their 0-12 start, fell to 0-8 in road games.

Bucks 108, Bobcats 93

At Milwaukee, Ersan Ilyasova scored a season-high 21 points and Marquis Daniels had season highs with 18 points and six rebounds as Milwaukee took command early and cruised past Charlotte.

Brandon Jennings had 15 points and eight assists and Monta Ellis added 13 points to help the Bucks.

Jazz 131, Raptors 99

At Salt Lake City, Paul Millsap scored 20 points, Enes Kanter had 18 in his first career start and Utah hit 13 3-pointers.

Gordon Hayward added 17 points off the bench as the Jazz improved to 8-1 at home. Marvin Williams, Randy Foye and DeMarre Carroll all made three 3-pointers as Utah finished 13 for 23 from beyond the arc.

Kings 91, Magic 82

At Sacramento, Calif., DeMarcus Cousins had 17 points and 14 rebounds and reserve guard Isaiah Thomas also scored 17 to lead Sacramento.

After squandering an 11-point lead in the third quarter, the Kings regrouped in the fourth behind the strong play of their backups. Led by Thomas, who scored 11 points in the period, reserves played for much of the final quarter and produced a 15-2 run that propelled Sacramento to consecutive wins for the second time this season.